Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets across Gaza on Sunday, honking car horns and cheering to celebrate the start of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Some who fled south packed whatever belongings they had and headed north for the long journey home – or whatever was left. Many were anxiously waiting for news of the situation in their old communities from relatives and neighbors who first arrived home.

Riyadh al-Gharably, 64, said he had not slept as he and his family waited to see if the ceasefire would go ahead as planned. He spent Sunday morning checking the clock and listening to the occasional gunshots and gunshots echoing from the eastern border of the city – hoping they did not prove to disturb the peace he had been waiting for so long.

“All the women here cried all night,” said Mr. al-Gharably, his voice breaking.

In Gaza City, members of the Palestinian Civil Defense units – which have carried out rescue operations in response to Israeli strikes almost daily during the war – poured into the streets to celebrate and climbed atop ambulances to wave Palestinian flags.

In Deir al Balah, a city in the central Gaza Strip, cars honked and loud music blared from coffee shops.

For many, the moment was full of contradictions: There was much joy that the bombing and bloodshed was finally – finally – over. But there was also a great loss due to the conflict that has ravaged the region and its people.

Many people said they were determined to start saving lives they once knew despite the destruction.

Ahed al-Okka, 52, said:

A construction worker from Gaza City in the north, Mr. al-Okka said he had been living in a tent on the streets of the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah for years. He planned to return on Sunday to his house, which he heard was slightly damaged but still intact.

But even if his family fixes one room and lives in it, that would be enough for now, he said: “We will rebuild and fix things little by little and finally we will find peace of mind.”

For some, the determination to rebuild lives torn apart by the war was overshadowed by the grief and pain of the 15 months of conflict.

“I can’t say I’m happy about the agreement,” said Suhaila Dawaas, a 55-year-old mother of eight who moved to the central Gaza Strip from Beit Lahia in the north. “What is left to us after everything – eternal loss, destruction, pain?”

Mrs. Dawaas said several of her relatives were killed by Israeli planes. His house was badly damaged, he said, and he hoped to find a few reminders of the life his family had in the rubble – perhaps in photo albums – when he returned home.

He also said that he feels sorry for more than what was lost. He said he also grieves for all that was lost – the fate of his children and the challenges that will no doubt define the next chapter in Gaza as people try to rebuild their lives.

“We spent our whole lives building houses for our children, and now, we have lost a lot,” said Mrs. Dawaas. But, “I am happy that the survivors will now have a chance at peace.”